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Stylish Infiniti Q80 Four-Door Coupe Demands Attention in Dynamic Video Debut

The Infiniti Q50 may have its flaws, but it does give the Japanese automaker a fighting chance against its rivals, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Here's another Infiniti model we're very excited about, the Q80, which was revealed as a concept in Paris at the beginning of the month and could become their A7/CLS fighter in a few years.
Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept 35 photos
Photo: Infiniti
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Showcasing Infiniti's brightest design ideas for a large four-door coupe, the Q80 Inspiration concept is big, very big. From sexy grille to exhaust tip, this car measures over 5 meters. It's also over 2 meters wide, but at its tallest stands only 53.1 inches (1,350mm).

The agility and body control of a sportscar is also essential here, something Infiniti is only too willing to show in one of their sexy promo video. It starts by showing a blonde woman that throws a handful of pears in the air. This is the start of a race between gravity and the Q80, as the car races though a shipyard at night.

The Q80 has almost enough power to rival an Audi RS6 or S63 AMG. Nissan gave it a new hybrid setup made of a V6 3-liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The combined power output can be up to 550 HP, depending on the driving mode, while the system returning an average fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 mpg) equivalent to CO2 emissions as low as 129 g/km.

"The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category," said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. "We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion. Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future."

The interior

Infiniti chose to cocoon each individual passenger in his own reclining 'armchair'. The Q80 Inspiration's seating arrangement is being described as "1+1+1+1". Access is made though portal-style doors into a cabin that's well illuminated and features all the latest technology.

In the front, the drive feels like he's at the center of a futuristic spaceship with minimalist design and digital displays. The two people sitting in the back have their own touchscreen in front of them, positioned on the backs of the front seats. They can access that on-board infotainment system through them.

From a design perspective, the Q80 Inspiration is the epitome of provocation, a car that breaks the mould of traditional premium saloon dimension and body form,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.

Another Infiniti that wants to drive by itself

Another highlight of the Q80 Concept is that it explores the boundaries of self-driving cars. The car is packed with cameras, lasers and sensors that monitor the road ahead. It also features a HUD system that projects information onto the screen or emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway conditions.

"As part of our creativity and exploration philosophy, Infiniti considers that autonomous driving is an integral part of a premium car of tomorrow. In our case, we have taken the approach that autonomous driving should empower and enhance the driving experience, not do the driving. Our path of development is not taking us into the area of self-driving vehicles," said Bancon.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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